Since 2013, Young DFW Writers, Inc (YDFW) has been transforming the lives of young people through critical and creative writing programs. Modeled after Young Chicago Authors (YCA), the original founders of the Louder Than a Bomb Youth Poetry Festival (also a 2011 documentary), YDFW is one of more than 14 cities across the country and Canada who use the YCA model to help educate and organize. Our programs include four years of curriculum, free writing workshops, and open mics for young poets and participation in our local Louder Than a Bomb festival.

YDFW began in 4 schools within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and continues to grow, offering a safe space and platform for youth expression that celebrates the voice of teens from various backgrounds. YDFW's programs serve as an introduction within a literary community that works to challenge students to engage in civic duty and to be agents of change within their communities.

MISSION

Established on the corner of art and activism, it is our mission to transform the lives of young people by cultivating their voices through writing, publication, performance education, and civic engagement. 

Staff

Sandrella Bush - Executive Director

Board of Directors

Laura Roach, Bob Stephenson, Jennifer Gunn
 

Sponsors

Altrusa DFW International

Past and Present Participating Districts

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Garland ISD, Keller ISD, Mesquite ISD, Arlington ISD, Dallas ISD, Uplift Education, Duncanville ISD, Lancaster ISD, Garland ISD, Bishop Dunne, Little Elm ISD, Richardson ISD, Kipp Schools

Partnerships

Narrative4, University of Iowa, University of Pennsylvania, Urban Teachers, 310 Brown Street Publishing, Dallas Youth Poets